Samantha Alice Photography

View Original

5 Reasons Why to Choose a Lifestyle Photographer

What is Lifestyle Photography?

This seemed like a good place to start, as I imagine some of you are wondering what a Lifestyle Photography approach means? It is essentially a style of portrait photography that aims to capture authentic and candid moments to tell ‘your story’.

Now you may be thinking I’m biased about why you should choose a Lifestyle Photographer and of course, you are absolutely right! I proudly describe myself as a Lifestyle Photographer and so could talk until the cows come home about my LOVE of this approach to photography, but I’ve limited it to 5!

No stiff poses or forced smiles to the camera.

A ‘classic’ posed family portrait, to me, doesn’t make for photos that are authentically you.

Being told to stare down into my lens and hold that smile is just a record of how you look (when you’re feeling awkward!) and doesn’t hold any memories. I much prefer to prompt and encourage you to interact with one another for genuine expressions. I especially love capturing the FEEL-GOOD moments within my Lifestyle Photography sessions which make for heart-warming and memorable prints.

connection

It’s all about being in the moment, which we often forget to do during our busy day-to-day lives.

A chance to gaze at that little baby of yours and snuggle in for a cuddle with your kiddies (doesn’t matter how big they get…cuddles are the best!) Or if your little ones are anything like mine, then run around wildly and demand to piggyback ride! Ha! My point is Lifestyle Photography is so much more than how you look and more about your unique family story and all the emotions that come from having children.

Storytelling

Your ‘story’ in simplest terms is your family connection.

Which us lifestyle photographers have the knack of capturing during those unscripted and in-between moments where you’re being yourselves and enjoying the moment. At first, you may feel apprehensive but those nerves soon disappear as we get into the swing of the session.

Another BIG part of telling your story is in the details; the hand-holding, wisps of hair, big open eyes. You swear you’ll never forget but in the circus that is life these loving little details often get missed. A Lifestyle Approach is ALL about encapsulating these memories.

relaxed and Natural

A lifestyle session consists of relaxed poses + prompts but ultimately we go with the flow

A photography session that evolves around you! Imagine that!? So if baby wants a feed or little ones are wanting to run around and play, this is all part of your story and we want to capture that too! The BEST portraits are captured when everyone is feeling like they can be themselves and relax into the session.

This is where Natural Light plays a BIG part too, gone are the days of staged lighting or bright flash photography to startle everyone. Natural Light allows for a Lifestyle Photographer to be unobtrusive and used well can create emotive photographs to proudly display around your home.

Keepsakes

The photographs where you are also present will be the ones your children cherish the most.

You may feel reluctant to be in the frame for whatever reason, and I know how you feel. It can feel daunting to get in front of a professional camera but remember, we are highly knowledgeable of all the best angles and are a dab hand at helping everyone to feel comfortable.

During a lifestyle session, more often than not the focus is on your little ones (or big ones!) but you’ll be there too. Trust me, in the years to come you will be so glad to be in those treasured photographs too.

There you have it! Think a lifestyle approach to Newborn + Family photography would suit you? Go check out my Lifestyle portfolio and when you’re ready I would absolutely love to hear from you and capture your story.